2004 Eddie Bauer - the good/bad/ugly

[klmcw]

I am currently looking at the Eddie Bauer model. I am a GMC Yukon owner and after reading that forum am not sure I'll go for another.

Please provide me with your honest experiences about this car. All mechanical, electrical, and driving experiences. My Yukon is still a very quiet ride after 8 years, how 'bout the Expedition? Also, noticed the leather on the Eddie Bauer looks like vinyl.....not the soft leather. Is this because it wears better? Any info to help make an informed decision would be appreciated. TIA

[landyacht]

The '04 Eddie Bauer is a great choice, it's a wonderfull vehicle. If you're looking at keeping it long haul, the only issues that can become a factor is the all the electrical stuff and the air-ride suspension, so definitely take the full extended warranty.

These things are not something to worry about until you get into the 8-9 year time length, things have a tendency to wear out.

The advantages of the Expedition compared to the new Yukon:

WAY better ride quality thanks to the air ride suspension. Extremely smooth ride, handling is very good for such a large vehicle. The steering is soft and isn't connected to the road, but it's not a sports car, it's meant for comfort and ease of driving so keep that in consideration.

There are soooo many impressive, great features about this vehicle that i can't describe them all in one shot...my suggestion to learn about what the vehicle has in it, is go to your local Ford dealership and ask for the sales manager. Insist on working with the #1 guy when it comes to product knowledge, and tell him you want to be taken through the ENTIRE vehicle. It'll really amaze you as to the value of all you get in that vehicle, especially if you want a loaded one.

As to the leather, it is a 'tougher' kind of leather because it does seem to wear better than the soft stuff that GM uses.

As far as history on the vehicle, well, it sounds to me like you take decent care of your vehicle. Every Expedition i've ever seen that has been taken care of in this way is great. The only complaint i have is that there's a couple squeaks in the back after 7-8 years, but that is also on the old models from '97ish. The new bodystyle (03 - 04 kind) are super quite, solid riding, amazing vehicles.

It's the best selling large SUV in it's class as of 2003 AGAIN so once going through the whole thing you'll find out why.

As far as specific questions, please fire away. Otherwise, i hope this helps you out!

[dmntxn77]

I have a 2002 Eddie Bauer and I only have two complaints so far (I have only had it a month). First, it is truly gutless. My father has an 02 Yukon, and he does not have to wait until he is going down hill to pass on the highway. I am barely exaggerating here... Second, a smooth ride is one thing, but a soft ride is another. I have already put stiffer shocks on mine, and they helped a little. Don't get me wrong, I don't want to bounce around on a bumpy road, but I don't want to feel like I am going to roll over on every turn either. Just my 2 cents. I have no manufacture loyalty, so if you you have a specific question, and want a straight answer just ask.

Cheers
Robert

[landyacht]

dmntxn77

Sounds like you don't have the air ride suspension... as far as i being gutless, i'd have that looked at if the thing doesn't hustle...they go real good for a big SUV but if you're really finding a lack in power i'd have it looked at. It shouldn't be doing that.

[dmntxn77]

I took my truck to the stealership and spent too much money getting it checked out. Final decision "run's like new". So, of course, I test drove a new one. Yhep, just as I suspected, WEAK... WEAK... WEAK!!!

[landyacht]

Hmmm....that's very odd, i don't know what to tell you on that one.

Trade it for an '04?? (j/k)

[dxrflyboy]

Originally Posted by dmntxn77

I took my truck to the stealership and spent too much money getting it checked out. Final decision "run's like new". So, of course, I test drove a new one. Yhep, just as I suspected, WEAK... WEAK... WEAK!!!

Which engine does it have - 4.6L or 5.4L?

[dmntxn77]

Originally Posted by dxrflyboy

Which engine does it have - 4.6L or 5.4L?

5.4L

[dxrflyboy]

The 5.4L ought to be enough engine to move it, although it isn't fast by any means! The other problem might be that it's geared too high. If it's 2WD without a tow package, Ford might have stuck some ridiculously high gears in it for the sake of gas mileage. The gear ratio is stamped into the little tag bolted to the back cover of the rear end. Most of the Expeds I see up here in CT are 4WD with 3.55 or 3.73 gears. The 5.4L Expeds that I've driven have had enough juice to get up the entrance ramps and merge w/traffic going 70 mph without much of a struggle. But higher gears really choke the mod motors, since they need to rev to make power.

[dmntxn77]

Yeah, I have the 3.55's. I plan on sticking 33's on my truck soon. Which gears do you think that I should switch to... 4.11's or 4.56's (aprox #'s)?

[dxrflyboy]

Powerwise, the lower, the better. Your best bet would be to find an off-road forum to find out what gears would work best with your mods. You'll need to update the PCM with the correct info. on tires & gears when you're done. The dealer will probably have to do it. I don't know of any way other than with the Ford scan tool.

[robsatx]

My wife had a 2002 Yukon and purchased then moved to a 2004 EB Expy. We now have about 18K miles on it. Been a great car and has about the same power as the 5.3 in the yukon. The 5.4 is pretty powerful. We did not want to get the 4.6 heard it was anemic . . .

Anyhow, wanted to let everyone know that the exaggeration about passing "downhill" is way out of proportion. The Expy with the 5.4 is about the same as the Yukon with the 5.3. I was always a GM person and my wife wanted an Expy. Overall I am pretty happy with the Expy. Only problem we have had is the transmission seems "whiny" to me.

My wife says it must be my ears cause she doesn't hear anything.

P.S. The 5.3 GM "winds up" a little quicker than the 5.4. But the 5.4 is more "torquey" when haulin.

[johnpvb]

I've owned a '97 Exp EB 4x4 since new and generally have been very pleased. Much better overall than comparable Yukon that year. Short list of problems (but only 85k, yup, it's a utility thank God at 13 MPG!): air suspension (on 2nd compressor), transfer case selector motor, few minor items. Looked at new model and wife puked over interior styling...much cheaper looking than original. So we're going to keep it until it falls apart. At $3.00/gal gas, it's not going to get a lot of miles anyway, but when you need to haul "stuff", it can pack it in!!!